The Republic of Sport

Simone

Simone's Comments

Posted Tuesday July 14, 2009, About: Why Iverson won't take Clippers offer

In 2007-2008, Iverson avgd 26.4 ppg and 7.1 apg. I realize that his style of play makes him seem like a ballhog, but I don't see how he averages 7 assists per game by being a ball hog. If he goes to the Clippers he will start and they will bring Eric Gordon off the bench. Gordon will have to play himself into the starter's role. Unfortunately, Dunleavy is a terrible coach and won't know how to use Iverson and Baron to help his team. You cannot change a player when he is already into his 30s. I know my comments will not sit well with people, but I think his game is unappreciated at this point. He can still be a valuable contributor to a team. He never fit well in Detroit, not for one day. I never thought it would be successful. He actually played very well in Denver, however, injuries, starting Anthony Carter at the point, and horrible team defense, prevented Denver from being successful in the playoffs.

Posted Tuesday April 07, 2009, About: Larry Brown talks about Iverson

I think that had Iverson and Billups (or Andre Miller) been in the backcourt together, it would have been a better mix then Iverson and Anthony Carter or JR Smith or Rip Hamilton. Iverson is a 2 in a pg body. He needs to play alongside a big defensive guard who can run the offense. When you add a player like Iverson to the mix, you have to play to his strengths. He has weaknesses in his game. Instead of exploiting his weaknesses, teams need to understand how they can have the most success with his ability.

Charlotte may actually be a good look for Iverson. Brown understands how to use him offensively, and how to use match-ups so that he won't have to guard much bigger players.

The Detroit experiment was bound to fail from the beginning. Too many similar skill sets on one team. Everyone knows they did it for cap space.

Posted Thursday February 26, 2009, About: Iverson experiment failing in Detroit

Absolutely agree. Rip and AI play similar styles, and that was not going to work. Iverson is not a true point guard, never has been, and so he went to a similar situation in Detroit as he did in Denver. Why are teams attempting to convert him to point now? Had Detroit traded Rip for Iverson, it would have made more sense. Then they would have had a backcourt of Billups and Iverson, instead of Stuckey/Iverson/Rip. It was too soon to make Stuckey the starting pg. Iverson plays best with a big combo guard who can guard a two but play the point on offense. He needs spot-up shooters and good rebounders to round out the best use of Iverson's talent. He is not a typical player and will not fit into a box no matter how much people complain.

Posted Thursday February 26, 2009, About: No buyout for Kings' Gooden

Buyout for Gooden? Are you kidding me? He has some skills, but those skills are not displayed consistently. He needs to get healthy and get out on the court. He is a bench player who has been a starter, if only for his size and rebounding. He can be a nice addition to a team who needs frontcourt help off the bench. This year the Kings, next year who knows? He should just be glad that he still has a spot in this league with his inconsistent play and injury history. Buyout. LOL.

Posted Tuesday January 27, 2009, About: Will Pistons deal Iverson?

Dumars should've known that Rip and AI would not be able to co-exist in the backcourt. Allen Iverson is not a pg and Rip is not a SF. Period. Although they play differently, the way they play gets in each other's way and it doesn't flow well.

Iverson was better in the backcourt with a big pg (Snow) who could defend the two guard on the defensive end, run the team on the offensive end. Iverson does a lot of work without the ball as well, coming off a lot of screens (like Rip Hamilton).

Trade Iverson to Utah for Boozer and maybe Ronnie Price or Brevin Knight. Still get the cap space (both teams). Boozer might work out in Detroit.

Posted Friday December 19, 2008, About: Why Nash could end up a Knick

I think the Knicks signing of Duhon and emergence of Nate will pretty much be their lineup for the next couple seasons. Maybe after his contract is up he goes back to Dallas to reunite with Dirk...who knows?

Posted Friday December 19, 2008, About: Rasheed to Mavericks?

Rasheed to Sacramento for Brad Miller and maybe a 2nd round pick.

Posted Friday December 19, 2008, About: Blazers prop up underwhelming Oden

I agree. The expectations are ridiculous. Kobe, KG, Lebron, Dwight have raised the bar to the point that we expect a huge impact immediately. I think Oden is doing a good job. 8/8 avgs are not horrible. Portland has several big men they can rotate so he is in a good position to progress as a player.

Posted Friday December 19, 2008, About: Cavs, Heat discussing Marion trade?

As tempting as this trade is, it isn't necessarily the best move for Cleveland. It would actually make more sense for them to get Boozer back. I think Marion would be a better fit in LA for Odom, where he can easily start at the 3.

Posted Friday December 19, 2008, About: Does Edwards want out of Cleveland?

Maybe they should trade him to the Lions. Any suggestions on who they could trade him for?

Posted Friday December 19, 2008, About: Farmar disgruntled with Lakers role

Because they are asked a question. They had 10-15 minute interview with a reporter who quotes one sentence. Maybe they should just say "no comment" or "both teams played hard" when asked a question.

Posted Friday December 19, 2008, About: Farmar disgruntled with Lakers role

I completely agree. The same can be said for the Cowboys in the NFL. Every meeting, conversation, memo, frown becomes a "distraction" or some huge issue. Players are people...so yes they get frustrated. I'm sure he is frustrated for a number of reasons. He is permitted to have feelings, emotions, passions, gripes, etc...just like the rest of us. He is allowed to sit and talk with his coach about it. This is normal. And a non-story.

Farmar is a good young guard. I believe the Lakers are grooming him to be their starting PG upon Fisher's retirement in about 2 seasons. By then, he will be a bit more seasoned and will be ready to run a team...much like Devin Harris.

Posted Wednesday November 19, 2008, About: Nuggets' Karl knocks Iverson

I agree that Karl's comments were out of line. AI actually played pretty well in Denver. Injuries and obviously lack of defense in an extremely tough conference is why they lost. Iverson is not a point guard, never has been, but he still averages 6 or 7 assists per game. He does his job. But with the type of players that Denver has, a true point is better suited for them. Iverson needs to play with good post players and a big guard in the backcourt who can facilitate the offense and allow him to work without the ball. He and Rip both play off the ball so it will be interesting to see how this experiment works out. However Dumars knows the deal with AI. There is no secret to his success. We have been watching him play for over a decade, where was George? He sounds a lot like Shaq right now.

Posted Friday October 31, 2008, About: D'Antoni admits cursing Knicks fans

I agree that Steph should get some playing time so that they can maybe get some trade value for him. Dolan came out and said he would be getting another chance, and now he doesn't play. Steph is not a crook for accepting an offered contract, even if the numbers are inflated. I doubt any of you would try to negotiate your salary down. If management elects to overpay, then hey, it is what it is. As far as cursing at the fans, yes D'Antoni should be fined because had it been Steph cursing the fans for booing him, he would've been fined by the league and probably his team too. The Knicks want to prove a point, I get that, but they may want to try to IMprove their team and make better business decisions. I think a few teams might take a chance on Steph if he can show that he can play well to start this season. Then maybe, the Knicks can trade him by the deadline THIS season, and rid your team of at least ONE of its biggest problems.

Posted Wednesday October 08, 2008, About: D'Antoni takes jab at Marbury

So should Steph just stop answering questions?

I agree that this is a non-story, but I don't believe that Marbury published the story. He was asked a direct question about coming off the bench. He answered it. Correctly even. And then a reporter decides to ask D'Antoni to comment on Steph's comment. That's just stupid. I don't see where it was really a jab at Marbury, he even says that he was proud of him for it. The jab was more at the media for trying to create news out of a non-story.

Posted Wednesday October 08, 2008, About: Quick-learning Rose expected to start

They have the option of beginning the season with him coming off the bench. This will give Hinrich an opportunity to show if last season was just a fluke. He is a good player and if he gets back to his previous form, he can be used in a trade as suggested. Starting him allows you to showcase him and not put too much pressure on Rose from the beginning. By the trade deadline, it's Rose's team, Kirk's trade value may increase dependant on his play, and the Bulls could possibly get a better big man. He's their best chance to trade since no one is going to want to pay Larry Hughes' salary..yet. Or Ben Gordon's one-year deal. Perhaps package Kirk with either Tyrus Thomas or Drew Gooden and send them to Miami for Shawn Marion.

Posted Monday October 06, 2008, About: Heat still want to trade Marion

Hmmmm. Marion to the Lakers would be yummy! If the Heat want Odom and they could have their choice of Vlad Rad, Luke Walton or Chris Mihm. A lineup with Kobe, Marion, Pau, and Bynum with Fish playing point. WOW. Marion defensively is what's up. He rebounds, gets steals, alters shots. He is an all around player. A stat filler.

I could see them taking Marbury and maybe another player from NY for Marion. That would be a good situation for Marion because obviously he would be reunited with his old coach and they can play with Duhon and Robinson. They might even take Randolph so they can move Beasley to SF. Marion would definitely get the attention he craves in NY.

Other Marion possible destinations:

Utah for Boozer or Kirilenko.
Chicago for K. Hinrich and Drew Gooden

Posted Monday October 06, 2008, About: Pacers swingman Daniels looks good

Daniels back in his Dallas days looked promising. I liked his potential. It would be nice if he could become a good player off the bench. He was a nice defender, a slasher, and if he could develop a decent jump shot, could really give some nice minutes on the floor. Even if the Pacers are shopping him, there are quite a few teams who need a deeper bench.

Posted Tuesday September 30, 2008, About: Talk of LeBron exit angers Cavs owner

Cleveland will be able to pay him more than anyone else. So leaving doesn't exactly make him greedy because he will make millions no matter where he goes. Saying he wants to be the first billionaire somehow makes him bad or greedy. Why? He has learned early that he is himself a brand and he can market his brand to make money. What...is this a new idea?

I haven't heard Lebron SAY he was headed to the Nets or the Knicks, so any talk before a deal is even discussed is pure speculation. Place your bets where you may, but nothing goes down until his current contract is up.

Posted Tuesday September 30, 2008, About: Big names on preseason trading block?

I'm sure Iverson wants to go to a contender. He plays his heart out night after night. He plays with intensity and passion. And for those of you who said he shot too much in Philly....who else was out there to shoot?

Iverson needs to play with a big guard and some great rebounders. He needs a team that plays good team defense. I wonder minus the sarcasm, what trade scenarios would give a team that type of nucleus. I see some have considered Philly, but for who? Unfortunately, the Cavs don't have tradeable parts. Maybe the Bulls? They have Gordon, Hinrich, Larry Hughes. All tradeable assets. Bulls would still need a big man. Maybe Gordon and Hinrich to get AI and trade Hughes to the Knicks for Randolph (never mind, he doesn't rebound) Trade Hughes or Sefolosha to Portland for Frye and Lafrentz.....wait they don't either. OK. Maybe they can get Wilcox away from the Thunder for Hughes or Gooden. I think Wilcox is a decent big man.

Posted Tuesday September 30, 2008, About: Big names on preseason trading block?

I definitely think Harrington needs to be traded. Nellie doesn't seem to really use him. I can see him with the Knicks. Maybe they'll trade Nate and whoever, maybe Jared Jeffries to the Warriors. Nellie can use Jeffries like he did Matt Barnes in the rotation. Nate is all about run and gun.